Device for protecting selected information in multi-media workstations

Abstract

The display buffer of a multimedia workstation is partitioned into a display section and a non-display section. The information to be displayed on the display screen is arranged in the display section of the display buffer. An image or shadow of the display section is written in the non-display section (called a lock buffer) of the display buffer. Prior to updating the display section, a controller reads the protection data from the lock buffer and generates control signals which inhibit the writing of data into protected areas of the display section.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: 
     
       1. A multimedia workstation comprising: a computer means for generating information to be viewed by users, said computer means including a bus;   an adapter card for coupling to the bus;   said adapter card having thereon a memory partitioned into a first section for storing a composite image of computer generated information and video information and another section of said memory for storing a replica of information stored in the first section, said replica of information including lock data identifying protected areas for carrying protected information in the composite image, not to be destroyed; and   a video processor coupled to the memory, said video processor providing the video information and for monitoring the lock data and generating therefrom control signals which inhibit writing any information in the protected area of the memory.   
     
     
       2. A method for protecting information being displayed on a display device comprising the steps of: (a) generating and storing, in a first section of a display buffer, a composite image of non-time sensitive information and time sensitive information to be displayed;   (b) replicating the non-time sensitive information and the time sensitive information in another section of the display buffer;   (c) monitoring the another section to detect areas containing protected information;   (d) based upon information derived in step (c), generating control signals which inhibit writing any information in selected areas of the first section of said display buffer; and   (e) displaying the composite image of the non-time sensitive information and time sensitive information.   
     
     
       3. The method of claim 2 wherein the time sensitive information include video information and non-time sensitive information includes computer generated information. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 2 wherein non-time sensitive information includes an ICON.